Get the Look: 11 Essential Pieces for a Perfectly Simple Scandinavian Christmas
When the holidays roll around, do you ever just crave a little… quiet? I know I do. This desire for peace is what makes simple Scandinavian Christmas decor so appealing.
It’s less about bright lights and more about a soft, warm glow.
This style is about creating a feeling of home and comfort, using pieces that are natural, beautiful, and full of heart. It’s a calm approach to the season.
Let’s get that cozy look.
Scandinavian Christmas decor
1. Windowsill Lined with Glowing Taper Candles
I love the quiet magic of a windowsill lined with glowing taper candles. It’s such a simple and yet deeply powerful look for the holiday season.
This is classic Scandi style.
Picture them in a row, each in a mismatched brass or ceramic holder. Their soft, flickering light is so incredibly welcoming on a dark winter evening.
Pro Tip: Use battery-operated LED tapers with a realistic flicker. They offer the same beautiful glow without any worry, especially if you have curious kids or pets.
2. A Tree Dressed in Felted Wool Animals
Forget the clutter of shiny, breakable ornaments. This look is about soft, touchable charm that feels personal and sweet.
It reminds me of a storybook.
Your tree will look lovely dotted with these felted wool critters. A sleepy fox, a tiny reindeer, or a little white bear hanging among the needles.
Pro Tip: Group your felted friends by theme. You could have a little woodland scene on one side of the tree and a polar group on another.
3. A Simple Eucalyptus Wreath with a Silk Ribbon
Think beyond the traditional pine wreath. A delicate ring of preserved eucalyptus provides a wonderful, silvery-green accent for your door.
It feels both modern and timeless.
Instead of a big, structured bow, let a single, long piece of oatmeal-colored silk or blush velvet ribbon hang down. It’s effortless and so elegant.
Pro Tip: Mist your eucalyptus wreath lightly with water every couple of weeks. This helps keep it from getting too brittle and extends its life.
4. A Chunky Knit Blanket Waiting for You
Your favorite armchair just got a major winter upgrade. Nothing invites you to relax quite like a ridiculously thick, chunky knit blanket.
It’s practically begging you to curl up.
Drape it casually over the side of a chair or the foot of a bed. Choose a warm, neutral color like cream, taupe, or soft gray.
Pro Tip: These blankets are a statement piece. Let one be the star of your cozy corner instead of adding too many other pillows.
5. Place Settings with Rosemary and Linen
Your holiday table can be stunning without being fussy at all. We can achieve a beautiful look with just a few simple, natural items.
Start with soft linen napkins.
Instead of a formal napkin ring, simply tie a sprig of fresh rosemary around the folded linen with some twine. It’s clean, organic, and smells amazing.
Pro Tip: For an extra touch, write each person’s name on a small cardboard tag and tie it into the rosemary sprig for a simple place card.
6. Giant Paper Stars Floating in the Air
I just adore these. They make such a big impact with so little effort. Hang large, three-dimensional paper stars in your windows.
They look great in corners, too.
When the light shines through their intricate cutouts, they cast the most beautiful patterns. It’s like you’ve captured your own little constellation indoors.
Pro Tip: Hang them with clear fishing line from small, transparent adhesive hooks. This makes the stars look like they are truly floating in mid-air.
7. A Friendly Gnome Hiding on a Shelf
You have to add a little touch of playful folklore to your decor! A small Christmas gnome, or tomte, is a classic part of this style.
He’s a friendly guardian.
Nestle one among the books on your bookshelf or have him peeking out from the mantel. That big beard and pointy hat bring instant charm.
Pro Tip: Less is more with these little guys. One or two gnomes feel special and whimsical. A whole army of them can just look cluttered.
8. Warm Oranges and Cinnamon on the Stove
This decor idea is for your nose as much as your eyes. It is the secret to making your entire home smell like Christmas morning.
It’s my favorite trick.
Just fill a small pot with water, add slices of orange, a few cinnamon sticks, and some cranberries. Let it simmer gently on the stove all day.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the water level. You will need to top it off every hour or so to keep the ingredients from scorching.
9. Gifts Wrapped in Kraft Paper and Twine
The presents under the tree are a huge part of your holiday decor. Make them look cohesive and beautiful with this simple approach.
Wrap everything in brown kraft paper.
Tie the gifts up with natural jute twine. For a truly special touch, tuck a small cutting of pine or a dried orange slice under the bow.
Pro Tip: Personalize the kraft paper using simple rubber stamps. A little black ink snowflake or reindeer pattern adds so much personality.
10. Your Tree Tucked into a Woven Basket
Here is how you give your Christmas tree a cozy, rustic foundation. It feels so much warmer than a typical metal stand or fabric skirt.
Place the tree inside a big basket.
A large, sturdy woven basket made of seagrass or rattan adds amazing texture to the room. It just feels so natural and grounded.
Pro Tip: Measure your tree stand’s diameter and height before you go basket shopping! Then, just tuck a cozy blanket around the stand inside to hide it.
11. A Garland of Tiny Gingerbread Stars
Here is a decoration that looks, smells, and even tastes delicious! This sweet garland is perfect for a mantel or a kitchen window.
It’s so fun to make.
Bake a batch of small, star-shaped gingerbread cookies. Before you bake them, poke a little hole in the top of each one with a straw.
Pro Tip: Once the cookies are cool, string them together on a simple red and white baker’s twine. The contrast is absolutely delightful.
Creating a calm, cozy home for the holidays is about choosing things you love. It’s about warmth, nature, and that wonderful feeling of togetherness.
You don’t need a lot.
A few simple pieces can make your home feel so magical.
Which of these Scandinavian Christmas decor ideas are you most excited to try this year?
